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City of New Bedford Awarded Grant by Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to Install Solar Energy Panels

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) has selected the City of New Bedford for a $115,805 Clean Energy Choice grant which will fund the New Bedford Office of Environmental Stewardship’s proposal for a renewable energy and energy efficiency project.  The City of New Bedford will use the grant to install solar panels on the roof of the newly constructed Keith Middle School.   The solar panels will convert light energy to electrical energy, generating 9,900 watts of power to be used by the school, and bringing clean, affordable energy to the city. 

“Sustainable energy measures such as these solar energy panels are important to New Bedford’s environment and we are committed to securing more, similar projects for other municipal buildings,” said Mayor Lang.

The project will also serve as a learning tool that the City and teachers can use to educate New Bedford students and residents about solar panel technology and the benefits of renewable energy.  The City hopes the project will increase awareness among local and regional business leaders and lead to the installation of more solar panels on privately owned buildings.
 
"The City of New Bedford submitted a very strong proposal to us," said Warren Leon, Director of MTC's Renewable Energy Trust. "This project will provide the City with economic, environmental, and educational benefits."

MTC is providing the City with the technical assistance needed to select a consultant to design the installation and develop specifications for the solar panels.  The City will use the specifications to hire a contractor to supply and install the panels.  The grant also includes funding for educational materials to be used to teach students about the benefits of solar panels and other renewable energy choices.  The City expects to select a consultant within the next several weeks.

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Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)

View all articles by Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)